Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Nears 290 as Rescue Efforts Continue
A very big earthquake shook the country of Colombia.
It was so strong that buildings fell down in many cities.
Many people got hurt, and sadly, hundreds of people died.
Some people are still missing.
Helpers are looking through the broken buildings very carefully to find people.
They have to be careful because the buildings could fall down more.
The earthquake happened in the western part of Colombia.
The president is now helping the country recover and rebuild.
Rich people are giving money to help fix schools and hospitals.
People are also helping pets and animals that were hurt in the earthquake.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Monday morning in San Jose del Palmar, western Colombia.
Official estimates put the death toll at around 290, with more than 140 people still missing and 4,200 injured.
More than two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in Cali and Pereira, where buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Search teams are combing rubble nearly a week later, with rescue efforts increasingly giving way to the recovery of bodies.
President Abelardo De La Espriella faces his first major crisis; billionaire Jaime Gilinski pledged 150 billion pesos ($47.75 million) for rebuilding.
- Who
- Residents of western Colombia, including Cali and Pereira, and President Abelardo De La Espriella.
- What
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake devastated cities and towns, killing around 290 people and leaving many missing or injured.
- When
- Monday morning, nearly a week before Sunday, August 16.
- Where
- San Jose del Palmar, with damage from Buenaventura to Colombia's coffee-growing region and major western cities including Cali and Pereira.
- Why
- The earthquake was a natural disaster, and relief and reconstruction efforts are now underway.
- Magnitude
- 7.4
- Epicenter
- San Jose del Palmar, Colombia
- Death toll
- Around 290
- Missing
- More than 140
- Injured
- 4,200
- Hardest-hit cities
- Cali and Pereira
- Gilinski donation
- 150 billion pesos ($47.75 million)
- Santo Domingo family pledge
- $32 million